buying an apartment in spain
Discussion
Ours is 3 beds, 2 baths, all on one level. Given we already have all the infrastructure in place it’s just a big, single replacement heating/AC unit - no ducting install needed.
There’s a good chance I’ll be moving there semi-permanently in about 3 months time - could be there for 6 months or so, maybe longer, depending on circumstances (ie; could I find some work out there). Given this, I’ll be sorting the heating/AC as a minimum.
There’s a good chance I’ll be moving there semi-permanently in about 3 months time - could be there for 6 months or so, maybe longer, depending on circumstances (ie; could I find some work out there). Given this, I’ll be sorting the heating/AC as a minimum.
Shnozz,
I've only just seen this thread. We bought just down the road from you at La Manga Club in Oct 2011 and are loving it! I've recently taken a step back from full-time employment (semi-retired) and the kids are starting to fly the nest, so we're planning on spending more time in Spain.
Air Con will be essential by June through to Sept/Oct. We had gas heating installed a year a go and it makes it like home in the winter. The air con can be turned to heat but its not as comfortable or effective as proper heating. Some people are installing infrared panels but there are mixed experiences reported, you would need to test it for yourself.
Ikea and Leroy Merlin were second homes for us during the first year
I've only just seen this thread. We bought just down the road from you at La Manga Club in Oct 2011 and are loving it! I've recently taken a step back from full-time employment (semi-retired) and the kids are starting to fly the nest, so we're planning on spending more time in Spain.
Air Con will be essential by June through to Sept/Oct. We had gas heating installed a year a go and it makes it like home in the winter. The air con can be turned to heat but its not as comfortable or effective as proper heating. Some people are installing infrared panels but there are mixed experiences reported, you would need to test it for yourself.
Ikea and Leroy Merlin were second homes for us during the first year
Hi Phil,
Pleased to hear that you have no regrets. As you will know, the transaction costs are pretty steep with the 10% stamp duty and other taxes and fees so I was keen to buy once only and hence the budget creep extended a lot from the outset but to make sure I got exactly what I was after (fingers crossed now the area choice was right!). I now have the amazing garage I have always wanted....but no money left to put anything in it
As to the heating/air con dilemma, I do not envisage being there very often in peak summer months. Even if I were to swap residency I am not a great fan of July/Aug in Spain when temperatures are that high and tourists hit the Costas along with small people. Plus I generally like the UK summer so even if I left the UK to take up residency in Spain I would probably have an extended holiday over those months. That being said, the air con is attractive to future proof the house, provide air con for any of my family or friends who might want to borrow the house over those summer months, together with the fact that the air con can also provide some heat.
With money being drained right left and centre at the mo I think step 1 will probably be the air con as a "make do" for this winter although we are hosting family over Xmas/New Year so would be nice if they weren't sat frozen of an evening! If I can stretch to it, I am going to try to add a wood burner into the house before then in addition to the air con and then see how we get on. In due course, I can look to add electric panel heaters but will see how we get on with the air con/wood burner combo. If I was having the property built ground up, I might be tempted by central heating with an oil tank in the garage but don't fancy external pipe work or digging up the tiled flooring.
Yes, i think my car has an autoroute set now for Leroy Merlin, IKEA, JYSK and the local ferriteria! I was explaining to a mate last night how frustrating/expensive it is in essentially starting again abroad. I went to put a shelf up and the shelf cost €20. My battery drill laughed at the proper Spanish wall and no English stud wall...so it was back off to buy an electric drill. €80. I remembered to buy the solid wall rawlplugs rather than the plaster board ones....to get home and realise I didn't have a spirit level. So back...€10. Back home, all set to go until I realised the plug wasn't nearby and I didn't have an extension lead....and repeat. About €200 for a shelf, €20 in petrol and about 5 hours in total Even just duplicating purchases like an iron, ironing board, cutlery, pots/pans etc.. soon went through a few grand and what seems like little to show for it that you take for granted when you normally move into a new house having acquired them over the years. Frightening really.
My office there is yet to be completed and, again, the duplication in IT equipment needed (not to mention the typically Spanish timescale of having the internet installed!). With all the expense that comes with it I definitely need to be up and earning when I am there!
We should try and meet for a pint when we are both out there.
Pleased to hear that you have no regrets. As you will know, the transaction costs are pretty steep with the 10% stamp duty and other taxes and fees so I was keen to buy once only and hence the budget creep extended a lot from the outset but to make sure I got exactly what I was after (fingers crossed now the area choice was right!). I now have the amazing garage I have always wanted....but no money left to put anything in it
As to the heating/air con dilemma, I do not envisage being there very often in peak summer months. Even if I were to swap residency I am not a great fan of July/Aug in Spain when temperatures are that high and tourists hit the Costas along with small people. Plus I generally like the UK summer so even if I left the UK to take up residency in Spain I would probably have an extended holiday over those months. That being said, the air con is attractive to future proof the house, provide air con for any of my family or friends who might want to borrow the house over those summer months, together with the fact that the air con can also provide some heat.
With money being drained right left and centre at the mo I think step 1 will probably be the air con as a "make do" for this winter although we are hosting family over Xmas/New Year so would be nice if they weren't sat frozen of an evening! If I can stretch to it, I am going to try to add a wood burner into the house before then in addition to the air con and then see how we get on. In due course, I can look to add electric panel heaters but will see how we get on with the air con/wood burner combo. If I was having the property built ground up, I might be tempted by central heating with an oil tank in the garage but don't fancy external pipe work or digging up the tiled flooring.
Yes, i think my car has an autoroute set now for Leroy Merlin, IKEA, JYSK and the local ferriteria! I was explaining to a mate last night how frustrating/expensive it is in essentially starting again abroad. I went to put a shelf up and the shelf cost €20. My battery drill laughed at the proper Spanish wall and no English stud wall...so it was back off to buy an electric drill. €80. I remembered to buy the solid wall rawlplugs rather than the plaster board ones....to get home and realise I didn't have a spirit level. So back...€10. Back home, all set to go until I realised the plug wasn't nearby and I didn't have an extension lead....and repeat. About €200 for a shelf, €20 in petrol and about 5 hours in total
Even just duplicating purchases like an iron, ironing board, cutlery, pots/pans etc.. soon went through a few grand and what seems like little to show for it that you take for granted when you normally move into a new house having acquired them over the years. Frightening really.My office there is yet to be completed and, again, the duplication in IT equipment needed (not to mention the typically Spanish timescale of having the internet installed!). With all the expense that comes with it I definitely need to be up and earning when I am there!
We should try and meet for a pint when we are both out there.
Can I get in on this thread?
We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
We used this agent to show us round the various areas around Marbella when we bought ours about 5 years ago.
https://www.crystalshore-properties.com/
We ended up buying a place on Los Arqueros, just above San Pedro, and about 10 mins from Banus.
The agent showed us a range of properties over 2 days - from bank repossessions to fully occupied resorts, and from Estepona to Cala Honda.
https://www.crystalshore-properties.com/
We ended up buying a place on Los Arqueros, just above San Pedro, and about 10 mins from Banus.
The agent showed us a range of properties over 2 days - from bank repossessions to fully occupied resorts, and from Estepona to Cala Honda.
It seems from what I hear that the electric route is not the greatest, but in terms of cost efficiency of electric heating from worst to best it appears to be:
Worst:
Ducted, central a/c heating
Individual a/c units (maybe the age of tech has something to do with it here)
Storage heaters
Electric panels
Oil filled electric radiators.
To Best...
Currently in the UK, our house has complete ceilings as electric powered panels. Very tidy with no pipes and rads, but monstrously expensive in an inefficient 80s house.
In Spain, gas, either connected with standing charges or bottled seems to curry favour. To throw another option into the list, I also notice the the draconian 2012 tax measures on solar have been improved among other legislative change on the amount you are allowed to generate for a home. High start up cost though...
https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Markets-Money/Spain-G...
Worst:
Ducted, central a/c heating
Individual a/c units (maybe the age of tech has something to do with it here)
Storage heaters
Electric panels
Oil filled electric radiators.
To Best...
Currently in the UK, our house has complete ceilings as electric powered panels. Very tidy with no pipes and rads, but monstrously expensive in an inefficient 80s house.
In Spain, gas, either connected with standing charges or bottled seems to curry favour. To throw another option into the list, I also notice the the draconian 2012 tax measures on solar have been improved among other legislative change on the amount you are allowed to generate for a home. High start up cost though...
https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Markets-Money/Spain-G...
goingonholiday said:
Regarding the mortgage. We went direct and had no problems. Rate was good, staff spoke English and there is no chance of the bank pulling a fast one. When you sign at the notary the bank explained the docs in English, our solicitor also confirmed what the bank explained was what was on the docs. We used barclays spain (best rate at the time), they are now La Caixa.
Very important to get a local solicitor you are comfortable with who speaks good English.
Good luck!
Thanks for that. Yes, local lawyer will be used for building the relationship on the ongoing needs in Spain too.Very important to get a local solicitor you are comfortable with who speaks good English.
Good luck!
Re the aircon as heating we have just got some fitted, two outside units supplying six room units.
Found we had preinstallation - pipes and cabling already plastered in from some of the rooms up to the roof - discovering that was like a lottery win.
As heating it works really well, warms the rooms up quickly despite the southern european double glazing being leakier than a sieve. Bearing in mind construction seems to involve concrete and more concrete air con is an easy install compared to piping a wet heating system.
Daikin was expensive - 9000 euro - but spares availability, noise level, efficiency etc pushed us towards that rather than cheaper no-name stuff. I'd expect it to be cheaper in Spain - the further west you go the more things seem to cost.
Air con is a heat pump, so theoretically you get more energy out than what you put in. so cost wise it should be better than panel heaters. Somehow.
LOL at Leroy Merlin, bloody Ikea and starting from scratch again with tools. Living the dream with a holiday home in the sun, on your hands and knees building flat pack sofas on the patio or swearing at the cheapest s
ttiest tools Leroys had in stock.
Best fun I've had is relocating the fridge to replace a pullout larder unit. Remove drawers next to larder, smash back out of cupboard, then get nowhere with chisel.
Day 2 : employ new 100 euro SDS breaker drill to hack into tiles, plaster and walls to access cable running down from socket above worktop. Find cable, turn power off ready to splice in a new cable and socket, then remove larder unit to measure and fit fridge socket and backbox to find a capped off powered up spur already there winking at me. Arse.
On the flip side in Portugal there's Inova - think local DIY shop that stocks *everything* - proper 4 candles/forkhandles throwback - they're ace
Found we had preinstallation - pipes and cabling already plastered in from some of the rooms up to the roof - discovering that was like a lottery win.
As heating it works really well, warms the rooms up quickly despite the southern european double glazing being leakier than a sieve. Bearing in mind construction seems to involve concrete and more concrete air con is an easy install compared to piping a wet heating system.
Daikin was expensive - 9000 euro - but spares availability, noise level, efficiency etc pushed us towards that rather than cheaper no-name stuff. I'd expect it to be cheaper in Spain - the further west you go the more things seem to cost.
Air con is a heat pump, so theoretically you get more energy out than what you put in. so cost wise it should be better than panel heaters. Somehow.
LOL at Leroy Merlin, bloody Ikea and starting from scratch again with tools. Living the dream with a holiday home in the sun, on your hands and knees building flat pack sofas on the patio or swearing at the cheapest s
ttiest tools Leroys had in stock. Best fun I've had is relocating the fridge to replace a pullout larder unit. Remove drawers next to larder, smash back out of cupboard, then get nowhere with chisel.
Day 2 : employ new 100 euro SDS breaker drill to hack into tiles, plaster and walls to access cable running down from socket above worktop. Find cable, turn power off ready to splice in a new cable and socket, then remove larder unit to measure and fit fridge socket and backbox to find a capped off powered up spur already there winking at me. Arse.
On the flip side in Portugal there's Inova - think local DIY shop that stocks *everything* - proper 4 candles/forkhandles throwback - they're ace
On my 1st trip after we bought our place I went to Leroy Merlin and bought a half decent tool set, an extension lead and a decent corded drill (everything is solid concrete, so no getting away with cheap low voltage cordless drills.. oh and a large set of drill bits as they stay sharp for about 2 seconds)... also bought a cheap electric screwdriver... a massive help with the Ikea flat pack stuff we have in our 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.
andy43 said:
Re the aircon as heating we have just got some fitted, two outside units supplying six room units.
Found we had preinstallation - pipes and cabling already plastered in from some of the rooms up to the roof - discovering that was like a lottery win.
As heating it works really well, warms the rooms up quickly despite the southern european double glazing being leakier than a sieve. Bearing in mind construction seems to involve concrete and more concrete air con is an easy install compared to piping a wet heating system.
Daikin was expensive - 9000 euro - but spares availability, noise level, efficiency etc pushed us towards that rather than cheaper no-name stuff. I'd expect it to be cheaper in Spain - the further west you go the more things seem to cost.
Air con is a heat pump, so theoretically you get more energy out than what you put in. so cost wise it should be better than panel heaters. Somehow.
LOL at Leroy Merlin, bloody Ikea and starting from scratch again with tools. Living the dream with a holiday home in the sun, on your hands and knees building flat pack sofas on the patio or swearing at the cheapest sttiest tools Leroys had in stock.
Best fun I've had is relocating the fridge to replace a pullout larder unit. Remove drawers next to larder, smash back out of cupboard, then get nowhere with chisel.
Day 2 : employ new 100 euro SDS breaker drill to hack into tiles, plaster and walls to access cable running down from socket above worktop. Find cable, turn power off ready to splice in a new cable and socket, then remove larder unit to measure and fit fridge socket and backbox to find a capped off powered up spur already there winking at me. Arse.
On the flip side in Portugal there's Inova - think local DIY shop that stocks *everything* - proper 4 candles/forkhandles throwback - they're ace
Ha ha ha! That all sounds familiar. I have now ordered a decent tool kit and acquired enough from the local ferriteria (which sounds very much like your local one - you can reel off a list and for a small shop they always seem to have even the most peculiar small things!).Found we had preinstallation - pipes and cabling already plastered in from some of the rooms up to the roof - discovering that was like a lottery win.
As heating it works really well, warms the rooms up quickly despite the southern european double glazing being leakier than a sieve. Bearing in mind construction seems to involve concrete and more concrete air con is an easy install compared to piping a wet heating system.
Daikin was expensive - 9000 euro - but spares availability, noise level, efficiency etc pushed us towards that rather than cheaper no-name stuff. I'd expect it to be cheaper in Spain - the further west you go the more things seem to cost.
Air con is a heat pump, so theoretically you get more energy out than what you put in. so cost wise it should be better than panel heaters. Somehow.
LOL at Leroy Merlin, bloody Ikea and starting from scratch again with tools. Living the dream with a holiday home in the sun, on your hands and knees building flat pack sofas on the patio or swearing at the cheapest s
ttiest tools Leroys had in stock. Best fun I've had is relocating the fridge to replace a pullout larder unit. Remove drawers next to larder, smash back out of cupboard, then get nowhere with chisel.
Day 2 : employ new 100 euro SDS breaker drill to hack into tiles, plaster and walls to access cable running down from socket above worktop. Find cable, turn power off ready to splice in a new cable and socket, then remove larder unit to measure and fit fridge socket and backbox to find a capped off powered up spur already there winking at me. Arse.
On the flip side in Portugal there's Inova - think local DIY shop that stocks *everything* - proper 4 candles/forkhandles throwback - they're ace
It's amusing to read of others experiencing the same. My mates all asked where my tan was after an extended period at the villa. The truth was more as you describe, knackering days juggling trips back to various shops for DIY supplies, juggling a few bits of "normal" work via a dodgy internet connection via crap 4G, building furniture, back to the ferreteria, dismantling old furniture, painting walls, changing lock barrels, clearing up, waiting for the typically Spanish tradespeople to turn up for quotations, hacking back palm trees and all under the time pressure knowing you have a return flight in X days.
I do actually have some degree of preinstallation too. At the minute it culminates in an ugly group of wires, copper pipes and very sun-damaged rubber coating from a random hole in the wall of the solarium. It's actually a bit of an eye-sore in what would be a lovely entertaining space and I am in many ways loathe to bolt the units on the wall up there despite the pre-installation that must have been there since construction but never used. I wonder what impact that would have mind on the costs involved of installation...if it makes thousands worth of difference I can do ugly..
dmahon said:
Can I get in on this thread?
We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
I don’t think I’ve posted very much lately, but whenever I look at this site, this thread is the one I just keep coming back to and checking on more than any other (and the ten year old Supercars Spotted, Some Rarities... one We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
)!I love reading what Shnozz, Chris and anyone else is getting up to and how their journey has progressed, and very nice to hear if my thoughts and opinions have been positively received too. Kind words, thank you.
About you though! I suppose one of the bigger questions is whether or not you’ve got a certain budget in mind plus whether or not you’re looking at it from a part investment perspective (rent out when you’re not there) or it’s another home from home. Judging by most of us and what I’ve read, many are in the latter camp - I wouldn’t countenance anyone else living/renting in my home, but I respect that for some people for the bills to stack up many do consider it.
The Costa is a huge area and yes between Malaga city and Marbella, say, the climate is pretty consistent, but the area also goes from sea level all the way up to low mountains too. So you’ll see variances around that as well.
Estepona is a really lovely town and prices tend to be a touch lower than further east. But it’s more of a trek from Malaga Airport. Conceivably, at AGP (Malaga) you could be off your plane, bags to go, and heading off on the A7 within 30,45 minutes of landing. But when driving west from there Fuengirola>Mijas>Marbella...then you could be on the road for a 90 minutes by the time you get to Estepona. Great drive and scenery notwithstanding, it’s something to consider...
Marbella. Not many people I know live in the city proper. Because for the most part the inner town is full of older buildings which are just blocks of flats. Judging by what you’re saying you’d more likely be interested in the types of developments which will mainly be found ten or so minutes in the car away from the hustle and bustle. The centre of Marbella can get quite busy.
About proximity to beach as well as having a pool then I’ve not always found that the two go hand in hand. Quite simply many compounds or estates near the beach either have not such large pools or maybe nothing altogether; after all you’re by the sea. So the better communities I’ve seen tend to be further away or stepped back from the sea front. Quieter, larger grounds for friends and family to enjoy, easier parking, etc...it’s potentially part of the compromise. Once again, personally, I like the tranquility of the sea view but further away from the masses. I’ll go to the beach with friends and enjoy the restaurants and the rest of it. But as for living I prefer the space and tranquility you often get away from that. So a compromise you need to work out.
Then again there are some supremely nice properties, very close to beautiful, empty beaches with their own large pools and proximity to town living - but cost is the ratio. Near me, for instance there’s the Urbanizacion los Monteros. If you’re in the market for €1-5m+ gated pad, then here’s a nice a place as any! You get it all here. But once again, it’s about what you’re willing to spend. As an aside I really recommend the Hotel there for a nice afternoon, lovely food, great pool, and an awesome place to contemplate your choices
http://www.andalucia.com/marbella/losmonteros.htm
The gated communities found up and down the coast generally offer the best value for those who’ll be there part time. Because you’ll get something that’s invariably secure, mutually looked after, and more turn-key. But once again you can get places that are below €80k, old and need care with minimal facilities or you can spend hundreds of thousands on a modern apartment in a swish block with all the amenities. Location often isn’t the main factor here as building quality isn’t defined by where you are. There’s old and new, nice and not so great all near each other up and down the coast.
Taking a punt, but modern apartment, two bed, two bath, your own outdoor space but decent communal pool for the kids... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prop... - a real lock up and go. Or this one... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prop... - 50,60k more but extra bedroom etc...
Splash out a bit more... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prop... -
. And on and on you can go!Alicante and Majorca are both superb locations; we seriously considered Alicante but we just happened to find what we needed near Marbella.
Life takes unusual turns sometimes and for one reason or another I’ve had an enormous amount of time spare in the last couple of years. My wife likes driving off to the Spa at La Cala Golf some mornings and enjoying the gym and facilities there. Sometimes I join her (or just sit and munch some lunch quietly in the corner, overlooking the scenery!). Other times it’s nice to just sit around at home and play the latest tune by ‘The Midnight’ really loudly and know I’m not upsetting anyone, doss around and think about what I might do tomorrow. I used to have the biggest stereo at Uni so it’s nice to indulge once again!
I still haven’t found the right local team to go and play football with yet. And I keep meaning to troop out to this lovely art studio in Malaga where there’s one painting I think is the best thing I’ve ever seen and have an empty wall ready for it. But all in good time. Still, the best thing we as a family ever did was just push on with a purchase when we found what we were looking for. Life is just too short to think about all the cons.
tigerkoi said:
I still haven’t found the right local team to go and play football with yet. And I keep meaning to troop out to this lovely art studio in Malaga where there’s one painting I think is the best thing I’ve ever seen and have an empty wall ready for it. But all in good time. Still, the best thing we as a family ever did was just push on with a purchase when we found what we were looking for. Life is just too short to think about all the cons.
Funny you should say that tigerkoi, I am now a (semi) regular with a local side who play a stone's throw from my house on a wonderful pitch that is for the local town club. Two superbly finished artificial pitches (in addition to the sand pitch and the match-day grass pitch which is immaculate). Like many "value" things in Spain, there is no charge to the team to play on it. We chuck in €2 a week to cover our post-match snacks at a local bar and that's it. Great way to meet folk too. And again, your contribution to this thread has been invaluable, and influential among many it seems!
Shnozz said:
Shnozz said:
tigerkoi said:
I still haven’t found the right local team to go and play football with yet. And I keep meaning to troop out to this lovely art studio in Malaga where there’s one painting I think is the best thing I’ve ever seen and have an empty wall ready for it. But all in good time. Still, the best thing we as a family ever did was just push on with a purchase when we found what we were looking for. Life is just too short to think about all the cons.
Funny you should say that tigerkoi, I am now a (semi) regular with a local side who play a stone's throw from my house on a wonderful pitch that is for the local town club. Two superbly finished artificial pitches (in addition to the sand pitch and the match-day grass pitch which is immaculate). Like many "value" things in Spain, there is no charge to the team to play on it. We chuck in €2 a week to cover our post-match snacks at a local bar and that's it. Great way to meet folk too. And again, your contribution to this thread has been invaluable, and influential among many it seems!
We’ve got to have that beer one day soon...
tigerkoi said:
I knew I should have moved up to Alicante, you could have hooked me up with a game or two!
We’ve got to have that beer one day soon...
I shall let you know when the football team has a Southern tour! They have just come back from the South of Portugal to play in a tournament as it happens..We’ve got to have that beer one day soon...
Yes, most definitely need to sort a beer out. Once I am a little more in order at the Spanish abode I will drop you a line.
Ha ha – I remember the many same-day return trips to Leroy Merlin and Ikea just to do a simple job.
When we moved in our place was c.30 years old and although structurally sound, needed some TLC (the price reflected this). We installed an extension, new external doors and windows throughout, a new kitchen and shortly afterwards refurbed a bathroom. More recently we have all three patios re-tiled and sealed which should hopefully last another 35 years!
We quickly found via word of mouth, a local Spanish agent who managed all the work, and they did a fantastic job for a reasonable price. We have subsequently retained them and they visit the place regularly when we are away. They also sort all the odd jobs while we are away. I don’t mind fitting a few blinds etc. but when the kitchen extractor fan stopped working I left them to get on with it.
I suggest you ensure you get broadband fibre to the door. I’ve tried a few other methods of sourcing broadband and they weren’t too successful. I’ve also installed a couple of cheap IP cameras internally that send me a photo if movement is detected (one facing the front door), and this provides peace of mind when we are away.
We were lucky because a central heating system had been installed when the place was built but not used for 20 years. We refurbed it, changed all the radiators, added a couple more and a new boiler. In the winter I can check the temperature inside the villa and turn on the heating in departures so the whole house is warm when we arrive.
Air Con heating will be fine for a start. I find that oil filled electric radiators work quite well and will keep a bedroom warm. If you haven’t found it yet then MediaMarkt (https://www.mediamarkt.es/) is the equivalent of Curry’s. I bought a great colour printer/scanner from them for my home office.
Some people rave about infrared panels as opposed to heated convention alternatives. Apparently, IR panels heat the person rather than the air. This means they need to be in line of sight of the person and ceiling fitting it’s the most effective but wall fitting works too. I gather that are far more energy efficient but take some getting used to. I have never tried them. This supplier comes recommended https://www.herschel-infrared.co.uk/
In the winter a dehumidifier or two can be useful to prevent clothes/bedding from becoming affected by moisture. When we leave, I have 3 spread out downstairs that I switch on and the agent pops in every couple of weeks to switch them off/on. Seems to work well.
Have you checked your maximum electric (current) rating? In Spain you pay a rate dependent on the maximum instantaneous current rating and there will be a ‘switchable fuse’ installed that you are unable to change without the agreement (a new contract) with your electric supplier. Ours used to trip constantly in the summer with air con, cooking and a kettle on. We uprated. Not a big job but again the agent sorted it for us. Worth considering if you are adding Air Con.
Last Easter I installed IPTV and a Mag box connected to the internet. Works great, loads of channels and low cost. I can recommend this supplier of the TV programmes (https://insightiptv.com/channels.html). You will need a VPN to watch UK programmes. An AppleTV is useful for accessing Netflix etc. (no VPN required for Netflix).
I haven’t bought a car yet. I keep my nice ones for the UK as having seen the state of Spanish supermarket car parks, a beater is probably all I will want We visit for 2-3 months per year. Maybe I’ll purchase when we are at 5-6 months during the next few years. Off peak hire cars are so cheap. A long weekend often costs me less than £20 all in. If you do buy, to save airport transfer costs there are a couple of reputable companies who work out of Corvera and Alicante, who for around £350 per year will collect it from the airport (either) and deliver it back to you when you arrive (as many times as you want). They will also take care of servicing etc. while you are away. I can find their details if you’re interested.
If you’re in to cycling then there is a fantastic bike shop on the east side of Cartagena with around 1,000 bikes on display (https://cicloscurra.com/).
We don’t rent it to anyone including family, it’s just too complex and expensive, so it is our home from home. We can pop out for up to a week with just hand luggage. Have to say I love the outdoor lifestyle. So much to do because the weather allows.
Feel to fire any questions and I’ll do my best to answer.
A few pics
When we moved in our place was c.30 years old and although structurally sound, needed some TLC (the price reflected this). We installed an extension, new external doors and windows throughout, a new kitchen and shortly afterwards refurbed a bathroom. More recently we have all three patios re-tiled and sealed which should hopefully last another 35 years!
We quickly found via word of mouth, a local Spanish agent who managed all the work, and they did a fantastic job for a reasonable price. We have subsequently retained them and they visit the place regularly when we are away. They also sort all the odd jobs while we are away. I don’t mind fitting a few blinds etc. but when the kitchen extractor fan stopped working I left them to get on with it.
I suggest you ensure you get broadband fibre to the door. I’ve tried a few other methods of sourcing broadband and they weren’t too successful. I’ve also installed a couple of cheap IP cameras internally that send me a photo if movement is detected (one facing the front door), and this provides peace of mind when we are away.
We were lucky because a central heating system had been installed when the place was built but not used for 20 years. We refurbed it, changed all the radiators, added a couple more and a new boiler. In the winter I can check the temperature inside the villa and turn on the heating in departures so the whole house is warm when we arrive.
Air Con heating will be fine for a start. I find that oil filled electric radiators work quite well and will keep a bedroom warm. If you haven’t found it yet then MediaMarkt (https://www.mediamarkt.es/) is the equivalent of Curry’s. I bought a great colour printer/scanner from them for my home office.
Some people rave about infrared panels as opposed to heated convention alternatives. Apparently, IR panels heat the person rather than the air. This means they need to be in line of sight of the person and ceiling fitting it’s the most effective but wall fitting works too. I gather that are far more energy efficient but take some getting used to. I have never tried them. This supplier comes recommended https://www.herschel-infrared.co.uk/
In the winter a dehumidifier or two can be useful to prevent clothes/bedding from becoming affected by moisture. When we leave, I have 3 spread out downstairs that I switch on and the agent pops in every couple of weeks to switch them off/on. Seems to work well.
Have you checked your maximum electric (current) rating? In Spain you pay a rate dependent on the maximum instantaneous current rating and there will be a ‘switchable fuse’ installed that you are unable to change without the agreement (a new contract) with your electric supplier. Ours used to trip constantly in the summer with air con, cooking and a kettle on. We uprated. Not a big job but again the agent sorted it for us. Worth considering if you are adding Air Con.
Last Easter I installed IPTV and a Mag box connected to the internet. Works great, loads of channels and low cost. I can recommend this supplier of the TV programmes (https://insightiptv.com/channels.html). You will need a VPN to watch UK programmes. An AppleTV is useful for accessing Netflix etc. (no VPN required for Netflix).
I haven’t bought a car yet. I keep my nice ones for the UK as having seen the state of Spanish supermarket car parks, a beater is probably all I will want
We visit for 2-3 months per year. Maybe I’ll purchase when we are at 5-6 months during the next few years. Off peak hire cars are so cheap. A long weekend often costs me less than £20 all in. If you do buy, to save airport transfer costs there are a couple of reputable companies who work out of Corvera and Alicante, who for around £350 per year will collect it from the airport (either) and deliver it back to you when you arrive (as many times as you want). They will also take care of servicing etc. while you are away. I can find their details if you’re interested. If you’re in to cycling then there is a fantastic bike shop on the east side of Cartagena with around 1,000 bikes on display (https://cicloscurra.com/).
We don’t rent it to anyone including family, it’s just too complex and expensive, so it is our home from home. We can pop out for up to a week with just hand luggage. Have to say I love the outdoor lifestyle. So much to do because the weather allows.
Feel to fire any questions and I’ll do my best to answer.
A few pics
These are the airport parking companies, both recommended:
https://seguroparking.com/
https://www.planeparking.com/
https://seguroparking.com/
https://www.planeparking.com/
Phil - superb post and thanks for taking the time.
I would be interested to hear more on your tiling in terms of costs and who you used (if they would be willing to cover up the coast a little). The reason I ask is that its the one pressing area of repairs that I have in that the roof solarium needs some patch work. It's mainly the tiling around the edges that is coming away so peeling back from the side walls. A few other areas of the terrace have some of the grout coming away and from looking at it, it looks like the grout has been re-laid at some point as the chips I have pulled up show two different colours as though fresh grout was at some stage laid on top of the original.
For now, I am thinking of a patch up rather than an entire re-grout but I would like to discuss options with a tiler. It's a flat roof and sits above the bedrooms so I want to have the tiling sorted before gota fria season in Autumn as I have no idea to what extent there is a decent waterproof membrane beneath the tiling in the usual Spanish building lottery. I have had a quote of €480 by a chap already and whilst it might be sound, I do wonder about the ex-pat tax sometimes so would like to get another quote and also to discuss options if I went for a total re-grout.
Sounds like you have found a decent person to manage yours. Do you leave a key with them? I have to say not being on the ground its often hard to project manage from afar but equally having paid to change all the locks etc it seems counter-productive to then hand keys over to tradespeople etc whilst I am not there.
No such luck with broadband I am afraid - its not there yet. The moment it comes down our street I will jump at it but for now I am having to rely on a Wimax connection. We shall see how that proves as having a reliable connection is a must if I want to spend extended periods there as I will be working.
Pleased to read what you say about air con heating and thanks for the steer on the MediaMarkt (I had not found them yet). I think the likelihood is I am going to try and get the air con installed within the next few months and then try and get the wood burner in before the end of the year. I am hosting in-laws over Xmas/New Year and although they are from Scandinavia they like their warm home so I don't want them to visit not only expecting sunshine but also expecting a toasty house when of course they are designed to lose heat rather than retain it! I will pre-warn them as to the tiled floors and need for slippers etc but also thinking if I have a wood burner in that will make a big difference in those middle of winter nights, and the air con on warm for an hour before bed will take the chill off the bedrooms for them. Will also have a look at those IR panels.
Interesting what you say about the need for dehumidifiers. We visited the house a few times in winter and it didn't feel damp but with all our clothes, bedding etc in the house I will need to keep a close eye on that. Obviously I would rather avoid further expense and storage of more heating/cooling/dehumidifying machines, and the associated electricity costs particularly when they are running in tandem even when not using the place.
Electric rating is set to the fairly standard 5.7 at the moment. From what I can tell, its about right for the property considering what is run on it. I could probably reduce it to circa 4.5 for now without any air con fitted but given that would only result in a marginal saving and the plan is to soon install A/C, there seems little point. I do need to contact Iberdrola to remove the insurance they cheekily added on for electrical equipment and I am also probably going to switch to either the day/night or more likely the 8 hour plan once I get a better gauge of my peak usage once I am more settled into a routine. It looks like its mornings we peak and then 6 - 8 ish of an evening. If that prevails then there isn't much between the two plans as the day/night one runs until midday anyway.
Every man and their dog seems to have a different IPTV contract! I am trying to resist for now as I told myself Spanish TV would help me integrate and give me a different angle to being in the UK. Let's see how long I survive...the idea of paying €100 a year to have every sport going and to be sat watching F1 will be very hard to resist.
I hear what you say about car purchase. It's a hard one as cars are expensive to buy, get treated like crap, and hire cars are cheap as chips. It's very hard to justify buying but part of the driver is convenience and more of a feeling of "home". Queuing at the car hire desk, particularly in peak months, is not the start of returning "home" I want. The holding of €1k plus off my card is unnerving, the stories of deductions and car hire firms being cowboys are plentiful. The fact I have to book a period of hire is restrictive in that I want to be at a stage where I can glance out of the window, see the weather is crap in the UK and book a cheap one way flight for the next few days, not knowing it will be fixed to 4, 7, 10, 14 days or whatever. The car hire forms the only part of that restriction really. I have seen those airport valet services and they seem good value and the idea of last min booking a flight, emailing the parking lot and being greeted at arrivals with a freshly washed car of my own sounds attractive.
Will check out the bike shop too - again, thanks for the link.
I agree about the renting it out issues. Unless something changes, I cannot see me wanting to rent it to anyone frankly. It might be "empty" right now but I have left my tools lying all around at the moment, my clothes in the wash basket and some of my food/beers sat cold in the fridge ready to pick up when I return next week. The idea of having to essentially check out like you do a hotel at the end of the holiday is not what I want to feel like when I leave home number 2 to return each time.
I would be interested to hear more on your tiling in terms of costs and who you used (if they would be willing to cover up the coast a little). The reason I ask is that its the one pressing area of repairs that I have in that the roof solarium needs some patch work. It's mainly the tiling around the edges that is coming away so peeling back from the side walls. A few other areas of the terrace have some of the grout coming away and from looking at it, it looks like the grout has been re-laid at some point as the chips I have pulled up show two different colours as though fresh grout was at some stage laid on top of the original.
For now, I am thinking of a patch up rather than an entire re-grout but I would like to discuss options with a tiler. It's a flat roof and sits above the bedrooms so I want to have the tiling sorted before gota fria season in Autumn as I have no idea to what extent there is a decent waterproof membrane beneath the tiling in the usual Spanish building lottery. I have had a quote of €480 by a chap already and whilst it might be sound, I do wonder about the ex-pat tax sometimes so would like to get another quote and also to discuss options if I went for a total re-grout.
Sounds like you have found a decent person to manage yours. Do you leave a key with them? I have to say not being on the ground its often hard to project manage from afar but equally having paid to change all the locks etc it seems counter-productive to then hand keys over to tradespeople etc whilst I am not there.
No such luck with broadband I am afraid - its not there yet. The moment it comes down our street I will jump at it but for now I am having to rely on a Wimax connection. We shall see how that proves as having a reliable connection is a must if I want to spend extended periods there as I will be working.
Pleased to read what you say about air con heating and thanks for the steer on the MediaMarkt (I had not found them yet). I think the likelihood is I am going to try and get the air con installed within the next few months and then try and get the wood burner in before the end of the year. I am hosting in-laws over Xmas/New Year and although they are from Scandinavia they like their warm home so I don't want them to visit not only expecting sunshine but also expecting a toasty house when of course they are designed to lose heat rather than retain it! I will pre-warn them as to the tiled floors and need for slippers etc but also thinking if I have a wood burner in that will make a big difference in those middle of winter nights, and the air con on warm for an hour before bed will take the chill off the bedrooms for them. Will also have a look at those IR panels.
Interesting what you say about the need for dehumidifiers. We visited the house a few times in winter and it didn't feel damp but with all our clothes, bedding etc in the house I will need to keep a close eye on that. Obviously I would rather avoid further expense and storage of more heating/cooling/dehumidifying machines, and the associated electricity costs particularly when they are running in tandem even when not using the place.
Electric rating is set to the fairly standard 5.7 at the moment. From what I can tell, its about right for the property considering what is run on it. I could probably reduce it to circa 4.5 for now without any air con fitted but given that would only result in a marginal saving and the plan is to soon install A/C, there seems little point. I do need to contact Iberdrola to remove the insurance they cheekily added on for electrical equipment and I am also probably going to switch to either the day/night or more likely the 8 hour plan once I get a better gauge of my peak usage once I am more settled into a routine. It looks like its mornings we peak and then 6 - 8 ish of an evening. If that prevails then there isn't much between the two plans as the day/night one runs until midday anyway.
Every man and their dog seems to have a different IPTV contract! I am trying to resist for now as I told myself Spanish TV would help me integrate and give me a different angle to being in the UK. Let's see how long I survive...the idea of paying €100 a year to have every sport going and to be sat watching F1 will be very hard to resist.
I hear what you say about car purchase. It's a hard one as cars are expensive to buy, get treated like crap, and hire cars are cheap as chips. It's very hard to justify buying but part of the driver is convenience and more of a feeling of "home". Queuing at the car hire desk, particularly in peak months, is not the start of returning "home" I want. The holding of €1k plus off my card is unnerving, the stories of deductions and car hire firms being cowboys are plentiful. The fact I have to book a period of hire is restrictive in that I want to be at a stage where I can glance out of the window, see the weather is crap in the UK and book a cheap one way flight for the next few days, not knowing it will be fixed to 4, 7, 10, 14 days or whatever. The car hire forms the only part of that restriction really. I have seen those airport valet services and they seem good value and the idea of last min booking a flight, emailing the parking lot and being greeted at arrivals with a freshly washed car of my own sounds attractive.
Will check out the bike shop too - again, thanks for the link.
I agree about the renting it out issues. Unless something changes, I cannot see me wanting to rent it to anyone frankly. It might be "empty" right now but I have left my tools lying all around at the moment, my clothes in the wash basket and some of my food/beers sat cold in the fridge ready to pick up when I return next week. The idea of having to essentially check out like you do a hotel at the end of the holiday is not what I want to feel like when I leave home number 2 to return each time.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff